The PG-Bikes BlackTrail - world's fastest ebike!

It’s no secret that as gas prices soar and battery technology evolves, electric bikes are fast becoming the next big two-wheeled thing. That trend is clearly evidenced by the strong showing ebikes are making at this year’s Eurobike trade show, currently taking place in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Over the next several days, we’ll be showing you a few examples that we’ve spotted at the show, but to start things off... well, let’s kick out the jams and go with the “Oh come on, you can’t be serious” ebike. It called the BlackTrail, and with a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), it’s officially the world’s fastest commercially-available electric bicycle – and probably the most awesome-looking, to boot.

The BlackTrail is the result of a collaboration between two German companies, namely PG-Bikes and carbon fiber products developer UBC, which also designs parts for Formula 1 race cars and Porsche Carrera GTs. The bike itself is striking – it has the classic styling of a 1930s motorcycle (complete with brown leather saddle and battery cover), but with the sharp angles and undisguised carbon fiber of a rocket bike.

The non-human-generated speed is supplied by a 1.2 kW CM48 V hybrid motor, powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. It charges up to 80 percent in 30 minutes, and up to 100 percent in 150. At its top speed, the bike has a range of 40-60 kilometers (25-37 miles). At its cruising speed of 30-50 km/h (19-31 mph), that range extends to 160-200 kilometers (99-124 miles). No acceleration specs were provided.

Besides carbon fiber, its body is composed of high-alloyed aluminum (“used by NASA”), titanium and magnesium, for a total vehicle weight of 19.8 kg. (43.65 lbs.)

Is it cheap? Nope. If you wish to purchase one of the 667 BlackTrails that will ever be built, be prepared to part with approximately US$75,460. You could certainly get a full-on electric motorcycle for much less money, but... with a huge ticket item like this, bang for the buck is hardly the point.

An experienced freelance writer, videographer and television producer, Ben's interest in all forms of innovation is particularly fanatical when it comes to human-powered transportation, film-making gear, environmentally-friendly technologies and anything that's designed to go underwater. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he spends a lot of time going over the handlebars of his mountain bike, hanging out in off-leash parks, and wishing the Pacific Ocean wasn't so far away.

Why would I pay $75K for a bicycle? That Oregon based company has a motorcycle, with a suspension for less than $20K, does a sustained 100mph.

VoiceofReason

I\'ve been riding my ebike every chance I get, it is unbelievably fun. My commute is significantly faster and actually rewarding in so many ways. I can\'t even begin to explain how incredible it is to blow through standstill traffic with the speed of a professional athlete while getting around 1000 mpg equivalent. Also, I get to park at the door and have a bunch of money suddenly not being spent on car stuff. Srsly, cars are for suckers, just like this absurdly overpriced bike.

dreamer.redeemer

Gad, that thing is FUGLY.

At first glance I thought it was a photo of a motorcycle from the turn of the LAST century.

yrag

This is a bad joke. Going 62mph without suspension is not doable as the rider would get thrown off on normal streets. Next 1.2kw isn\'t enough to push a bike that fast without aero body. It would take 7-10kw to do that.

In the US it\'s not a bike but a MC, pedals or not.

Ebikes and MC\'s are a great idea but this one isn\'t. Plus unlikely to be the fastest Ebike under their difinition either.

jerryd

The speed record was 64 mph on a 3-wheel human powered streaminer from the early 1980s (Vector). That record held for many many years. Now it is up over 80 mph on a 2-wheel streamliner. I don\'t know if spending $75K and finding about faster bicycles will make customers very happy.

Chris Jordan

Makes me wonder if they actually did market research before coming up with the production limit of 667. For what they are offering at that ridiculous price point, I have the feeling that they will be waaaaay overstocked!

Will, the tink

Its a bit early for an aprils fool joke right? no suspension, $75k. sure. I wouldnt pay $7k for that.

Scott_T

I have done 130Kmh on a bicycle - down a HUGE steep and long hill, towing a trailer full of heavy stuff......

Quite good actually.

For the people who shit can first and think nothing later......

If you are going to do much more than 20 - 30Kmh.... and way up too 100 kmh, dump the velcro and wear more and more heavy duty stuff like joint pads, gloves and leathers.

Avoid surfaces that induce excessive vertical accelerations.

And - Or:

Buy a motorbike.
Mr Stiffy

Very clean looking, but as far as being new or \"the fastest\"....No

I made one of these about 4 years ago (60mph ebike)... Terrible idea. Recently i made an electric moped with a 65mph top speed and a 40 mile range. Great suspension, full lights and all, much better idea then this death machine.

Marc Breitman

Yes \'jerryd\', you are right about it needing a lot more KW to do 100km/h (62mph) but you CAN do it without suspension and without getting bucked off...it all depends on the road condition... (for a real world motorized bicycle check this out: bikemoto.wordpress.com)

Almoto

\"bang for the buck is hardly the point.\" Ahhhhhhhh, yes it IS!!! When I start thinking about that kind of dough, I\'m not dreaming of fresh bread!!! That\'s a really really serious chunk of change for a electric bicycle, just so you can brag about being the fastest bicycle? I don\'t think so! Correct me if I\'m wrong but can\'t you satisfy the \"green\" urge by buying a really nicely appointed hybrid car for that kind of money?

Will, the tink

I can\'t believe no one has commented on the rediculous picture of the bike on the grass.

Maybe this picture is demonstrating how to avoid being thrown off the bike at high speeds; Lie on your stomach, insert seat between but cheeks, squeeze cheeks for dear life, and say goodbye to having any kids.